News

Vermaak named for Mendoza match

Wed, 21 Aug 2013 15:37

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer named an unchanged starting XV to face Argentina in their Rugby Championship Round Two clash in Mendoza on Saturday.

The only change to South Africa's matchday squad is on the bench, where Jano Vermaak replaces Fourie du Preez as the scrumhalf cover.

If Vermaak gets game time, he will play in his second Test after making his Springbok debut in Durban against Italy in June.

He picked up an unfortunate injury in that Test, which ruled him out of the rest of the June internationals.

Bismarck du Plessis, meanwhile, will play in his 50th Test off the bench.

“We’re fortunate that we are able to keep an unchanged team for this Test,” said Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer.

“It will be a special day for Bismarck as he will become only the 24th South African to play in his 50th Test for the Springboks, and it’s very well deserved. Over the years, he’s always given 100% for the Boks and he will go down in history as one of the best hookers ever to play the game.

“We’re actually in a very privileged position to have two of the best hookers in world rugby in our system, in him and Adriaan [Strauss]. They bring out the best in each other and they will continue to grow as players and leaders in the team.”

Meyer said the Springboks know the Pumas will lift the intensity for Saturday’s match in Mendoza.

“We experienced first-hand how passionate their supporters are and how they can lift their team,” said Meyer.

“Having said that, our focus is on continuous improvement and we would like to keep on converting try-scoring opportunities, building on our good on-field discipline and improving our play at the breakdowns.”